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What can happen when forks aren’t in the lowest possible position. PHOTO: FOTOLIA

Forklifts play an important role in the day-to-day operation of warehouses and plants, but lift trucks, reach trucks and tow motors have the potential to cause serious injury or even death to their operators, other workers and pedestrians. Every year there are reports of workers being crushed by tipping vehicles, hit or run over, struck by falling materials or falling from a platform on the forks.

There are many reasons forklift accidents occur, including: inadequate training of operators; driving at high speeds; lack of proper tools, attachments and accessories; poor maintenance; age of the forklift; and not using seatbelts.
Employers are responsible for providing training and ensuring drivers are fully aware of the operating procedures. Forklifts have a limited lifespan and they require regular servicing. It’s also important to keep the working environment clear.

Pass these tips on to operators:

Keep an itemized checklist on the safe operation of machines. Review it before each use or shift.